Self-exclusion: closing the door on purpose
Self-exclusion is a decision to block your own access to gambling for a set time or indefinitely. It works best when taken in a calm moment and combined with support from people you trust. There are usually two levels: the tools each platform offers inside your account, and national schemes in countries that run them for licensed operators.
Tools inside your account
| Tool | What it does | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Time-out | Blocks access for days or weeks | Whether it can be reversed early |
| Self-exclusion | Closes the account for a long or indefinite period | What happens to any remaining balance |
| Deposit limits | Caps how much you can load | How long an increase takes to apply |
These are usually in account settings, sometimes under "responsible gambling", or available through support. What exactly the platform offers is for you to check.
Withdraw before you exclude
Before activating self-exclusion, withdraw the real balance you have available, and ask support how a pending withdrawal is handled when the account closes. Some platforms pay out remaining balances automatically, others require a request before closure. The withdrawal guide explains request statuses.
National schemes
Many countries operate a national self-exclusion register that licensed operators must check, so one registration covers all of them. Such schemes bind only operators licensed in that country; a platform licensed elsewhere may not consult them. Search for the official scheme where you live — it is usually run by the gambling regulator.
Extra steps that help
- Ask your bank whether it can block payments to gambling sites.
- Install blocking software on your devices.
- Delete gambling apps and bookmarks.
- Tell someone you trust about your decision.
- Get support from Gambling Therapy or a local service.
After the period ends
Some exclusions end automatically; others require you to ask for reactivation, often with a cooling-off period. If you notice the urge to gamble returning as the date approaches, consider extending the exclusion. More resources in responsible gambling.